Renowned MMA combat sports coach Duke Roufus has died.
Roufus, 55, died Thursday night into Friday, according to his longtime business partner Scott Joffe, who announced the news Friday on Facebook. The cause of death was not revealed, though Joffe said Roufus passed away peacefully in his sleep.
“Duke was more than a celebrated trainer and champion kickboxer—he was a mentor, innovator, father and friend whose influence transformed the landscape of mixed martial arts,” Joffe wrote. “His knowledge, charisma, and passion inspired countless fighters to reach heights they never imagined possible. From world champions to first-day students, everyone who crossed his path felt his genuine care and unwavering belief in their potential. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the sport and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Roufus was the owner and head instructor of Roufusport MMA in Milwaukee, Wisc., where he coached numerous fighters to achieve MMA greatness, including former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, former Bellator and ONE Championship champion Ben Askren, former Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis, former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, and perhaps most notably, former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
The elder Pettis brother, Anthony, posted an emotional tribute to Roufus on Instagram shortly after news broke of the coach’s death.
“When my dad was killed you took me in and became my father,” Pettis wrote. Together we did the impossible and made it to the top! I will always make you proud. You’ve taught me so much. I will make sure your legacy continues on.”
Roufus was a lifelong martial artist, who rose to notoriety first as a competitor. An elite kickboxer, Roufus competed around the world and captured WKA, WAKO, WKBA, KICK, and IKF titles. After he competed in his final match in 2007, Roufus became one of MMA’s most notable coaches. Students included the aforementioned Woodley, Askren, and Pettis brothers, but also Ben Rothwell, Paul Felder, Jared Gordon, Matt Mitrione, Stephan Bonnar, Maycee Barber, Emmanuel Sanchez, and many others. Additionally, when WWE star C.M. Punk pursued a pro MMA venture, he enlisted Roufus as his head coach.
